The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
625 New Brunswick Rd.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(908) 231-7312
Open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OOA&DS Satellite Office Opportunity – Adalin Ball, MSW, eldercare educator, Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Adalin will be at the center on Sept. 25 to assist with Office on Aging & Disability Services questions and/or services. She will be offering information, assistance and support, as needed. Adalin is available to meet one-on-one as requested.
State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) – State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). A counselor will be available to provide FREE help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems, or questions about their health benefits. SHIP is a statewide program sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Call 732-563-4213 to schedule an appointment.
A Variety of Board & Card Games (Monopoly, Po-Ke-No, Yahtzee, Dominoes & Checkers) – Available Monday – Friday. If one of your favorite games is not listed and you would like to play, or if you are interested in starting a club featuring the game of your choice, please inform the staff.
Bridge, Cards & Board Game Lessons with Quail Brook Seniors & Volunteers – Thursday & Friday, 10:30 a.m. Classic games of strategy are a great opportunity for people of all skill levels to meet and socialize. Join the Quail Brook seniors and volunteers for mind-stimulating and competitive games of Bridge, Texas Hold ‘Em,’ Monopoly, dominoes and more! If you would like to play a game that is not listed and/or if you are interested in starting a club featuring the game of your choice, please inform the staff.
Indoor Shuffleboard – Available Monday – Friday.
Table Tennis (Ping-Pong) – Available Monday – Friday. Ping-Pong (table tennis) has only been an Olympic sport since 1988. Go ahead and take a shot at this fun game. Play either singles or doubles games. It’s a great way to improve hand/eye coordination, concentration and agility.
Healthy Bones Exercise Class with Joan Ackerman – Monday, 9:15 a.m. This either is a peer-led, 24-week exercise and education program for individuals who are at risk of having osteoporosis or have it. Exercises help improve balance, strength, flexibility, and posture. Advanced registration is required. A doctor’s note is also required prior to the first class and then once every year. For new participants, the price is $45. This includes ankle weights, a participant’s manual and the class fee. If ankle weights are not needed the price is $15. Call Caitlin Witucki at 908-704-6339 for more information.
QBC News – Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. Enjoy discussing global breaking news and current events in a stimulating Q&A session. Fellow center members will take turns researching and sharing hot topics of the day.
The Regime Exercise Class – Monday, Thursday & Friday, 1 p.m. Get a head-to-toe workout that uses weights, stretching and aerobic movements. Learn movements that will lubricate joints for flexibility to strengthen and stabilize muscles, increase blood circulation – and with the proper diet, you may lose weight! These exercises can help decrease falls and increase the ability to better accomplish day-to-day activities. This program can be practiced while either standing or sitting and with or without hand weights. Monday – Upper Body Routine; Thursday – Mid Section Routine; Friday – Lower Body Routine. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing; sneakers are required.
Continuing Art Institute with Karen Haake – Tuesday, 1 – 3 p.m. Paine’s Gray and Watercolor Painting: understanding gradation and contrast/brilliance of color. Module 1 – Watercolor Painting; a study of light and dark with shades of lovely cool grays using Paine’s Gray (dissolution of ultramarine + ivory black) ; Module 2 – Creating the Antique Look; watercolor painting on manila paper; Module 3 – Contrast Color Design: watercolor painting with primary colors; Module 4 – Positive/Negative Study: watercolor painting with whites and grays for shape creation/interpretation. $10.00 fee per class and includes supplies.
Functional Fitness – Thursday, 9:15 a.m. Have fun while performing cardiovascular exercises that raise your heart rate, tone muscles in the upper and lower body and strengthen your core. Improve your balance, overall agility and increase your ability to move more easily while performing everyday activities. Sneakers are required. Cost is $40 for the eight-week program; the next session begins on Sept. 5. Register by Aug. 30. Call 732-563-4213 for more information.
Yoga with Jade Ko – Friday, 2 p.m. Yoga is considered by many as a holistic approach to health and wellness. Practice physical poses, breathwork and meditation to improve alignment and relaxation. Please bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing that will allow for movement. Cost is $35 for the seven-week program; next session begins Sept. 6. Register by Aug. 26. Call 732-563-4213 for more information.
Crochet & Knitting with Esther Fowlkes – Thursday & Friday, 10:30 a.m. Learn the difference between two methods of creating artistic patterns using fabric and yarn, a single hook or two needles. Crocheting or knitting? Which method do you think is easier? This class is for beginners, experts and those wishing to brush up on their skills. Check the monthly calendar for updates to the schedule.
Line Dancing – Friday, 9:30 a.m. Line dancing is so much fun that it doesn’t even seem like exercise! You don’t need a partner, and dancing is an easy way to stay healthy both mentally and physically. It’s suitable for participants with limited mobility and has been shown to increase cardiovascular and muscular strength and improve coordination and balance while participants work through different moves.
Sept. 2 – Center is closed.
Sept. 3 & 10 – Body and Brain Yoga with Lucy Pagnetti, certified yoga instructor, 10:30 a.m. Learn a mind-body practice that combines stretching, flowing movement, deep-breathing exercises and meditation in a simple and easy-to-learn format that helps develop the body’s core strength and is the basis of physical, mental and spiritual health.
Sept. 4 – “The Magic of Praise” by the Magic Mirror Players, 10:30 a.m. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (RWJ Barnabas Health) volunteer actors will portray through a dramatic presentation using improvisational and role-playing techniques, how giving accolades or withholding positive affirmations can impact one’s emotional well-being.
Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Yoga for Mental & Physical Wellness with Dr. Prabha Srinivas, council for Yoga Accreditation International at the S-Vyasa University of Yogic Sciences, Bangalore, India, 2 p.m. Take control of your emotional and physical well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation while reducing stress in your life. Please bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing that will allow for movement.
Sept. 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Zumba Gold with Laurie Fetcher, 10:30 a.m. With popular music designed to inspire a hearty workout, Zumba Gold makes it accessible for people age 60 plus, beginners or others needing modifications in their exercise routine. Zumba Gold builds cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and exercising the muscles of the hips, legs, and arms with fun, energetic and rhythmic moves. This fun and energetic session can be done seated in a chair or standing up. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for dynamic movement.
Sept. 5 – The Electric Slide and All Things Country (Part 2) with Deborah Gibson and Karen Jessie, Quail Brook Seniors, 11 a.m. In part, II Karen and Deb will bring participants to the next level when they step up the pace with more line dancing fitness and fun! Line dancing is a fun way to incorporate exercise and music that results in an improvement in your emotional and physical well-being.
Sept. 5, 12, 19 & 26 – “Chronic Disease Self-Management Program” a Workshop by Heather Taylor & Andrew Bierderman, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, 12 – 2:30 p.m. Are you or a family member one of the 80% of older Americans who are living with a long-term health condition? Then this class is for you. Learn how to feel better, get more out of life, be more independent, eat healthier, exercise safely, and alleviate pain and fatigue. Take control of your life by improving your health in this six-week workshop. Registration is required by Sept. 1. Please call 732-563-4213 for more information.
Sept. 6, 9 & 13 – Chair Yoga with Jade Ko, certified yoga instructor, 10:30 a.m. Participants will practice a series of specific poses adapted from regular yoga poses when seated in a chair. This gentle form of yoga can be an effective way to improve one’s overall health by increasing strength, flexibility, mental clarity and proprioception, and it can help reduce stress when practiced regularly.
Sept. 11 & 25 – Ageless Grace Fitness Program with Roz Gerken, certified ageless grace educator, 10:30 a.m. Ageless Grace is based on the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain and central nervous system to change structurally and functionally. This program is designed to activate all five functions of the brain (i.e. strategic planning, memory and recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination and kinesthetic thinking). The program is intended for participants of all abilities who will be thoroughly engaged while seated in a chair.
Sept. 12 – “Good or Bad Luck, What is Your Deal?” by Anna Nowik-Valerio, independent scholar and speaker, 11 a.m. Is a “black cloud” hanging over your head? In this motivational lecture, participants will learn about scientific studies for one’s past and present beliefs about optimism/opportunity and luck can improve your future outcome.
Sept. 16 – “Electric Power and Light: Life More Comfortable” by Carol Bianki, external affairs & community outreach, Jersey Central Power & Light, 10:30 a.m. This presentation will explain the usage and cost of home energy consumption, provide energy-saving tips, and discuss indoor/outdoor electrical safety in relation to landscaping such as decorating for the holidays, power lines, and what is sufficient lighting.
Sept. 17 – Flu Shot Clinic and Educational Program with Wegman’s Pharmacy, 10:30 a.m. Let’s embrace your commitment to health. Learn about the latest flu strains and get your flu shot.
Sept. 18 – Fifth Annual Thrill’n & Grill’n Picnic at Colonial Park, 10:30 a.m. The Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater and Hillsborough along with the Quail Brook Senior Center will converge to celebrate fun, friends, food and games. Play Limbo, horseshoes, net games (badminton/volleyball), ball games (soccer), cards and have good conversation while listening to a medley of Motown, beach and boardwalk music provided by DJ Gio. To save a spot and to make lunch reservations, call 732-563-4213.
Sept. 19 – Deep Breathing: A Different Exercise with Dr. Prahba Srinivas, Council for Yoga Accreditation International at the S-Vyasa University of Yogic Sciences, Bangalore India, 10:30 a.m. Most people tend to take short shallow breaths and don’t know how to breathe properly. Join Quail Brook’s betterment to better breathing, and learn techniques for proper breathing. By breathing properly, participants increase muscle relaxation, improve their stress management and lessen anxiety!
Sept. 20 – “New Jersey: The Personality State” by Jim DelGuidice, photographer and educator, The Judson Lecture Series, 10:30 a.m. Get to know all about the Garden State’s most famous, notorious, and unlikely characters. This program is made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Sept. 23 – “McCarter Theatre Center: OnStage Seniors”, 10:30 a.m. OnStage Seniors, a community project sponsored by McCarter Theatre, will perform in a documentary-like play that tells stories about aging adults that will delight and provide insight about their experiences.
Sept. 24 – “Simplify Your Clutter” with Jamie Novak, Author and Organizing Humorist, 10:30 a.m. How can de-cluttering be fun? Join the center for a laugh-out-loud funny program that will help you lessen the load of life and de-stress by learning how to get rid of piles of paperwork and cramped closets.
Sept. 25 – “Boning Up on Osteoporosis” by Lori Morell, director of health & wellness, Parker Life, 11:15 a.m. Learn about the importance of maintaining bone health. There are 206 bones in our body, and healthy bones are tantamount to optimal health. In this program, you will understand how to help reduce the risk of falls through better nutrition, exercise by safety interventions; and how to read a Dexa-Scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), which will determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis or fractures.
Sept. 26 – “Renewal, Every Day!” with Rabbi Ronald Kaplan, Doctor of Ministry, certified pastoral counselor & psychotherapist, 11 a.m. This session is intended to provide tips about how to resolve everyday issues.
Sept. 27 –“In Case of Emergency: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and their Families” by Laurie Roome, community educator, Office on Aging & Disability Services, 10:30 a.m. Learn essential emergency preparedness for seniors. When an emergency or disaster happens, being prepared can be the difference between life and death.
Sept. 30 – “Senior Science Ecology Series” at Duke Farms with Kate Reilly, duke farms educator, 10:30 a.m. Visit the Orchid House/Pollination House. See a tropical display of orchids, a subtropical coastal display, support houses and native nursery houses. Learn how hummingbirds are critical to the ecological system, and how honeybees are important for the pollination process and the food chain. If time allows, participants will make Mason jar bee hotels.
